If not the Isle of Man when did you move here?
1987
Occupation
MHK, Pharmacist
Political History & Views
What is your political history or relevant experience?
Chairman, Edinburgh University Liberal Club 1974
Chairman, Scottish Young Liberals, 1975-76
National Executive Member, Scottish Liberal Party 1975-76
Parliamentary Candidate Moray and Nairn, 1979 Gen. Election
Elected to Laxey Village Commissioners 1991, Chairman 1993-95
Elected MHK for Garff in 1995, 1996, 2001
Chairman Planning Committee 1997-99
Minister for Education 1999 - 2004
Minister for Health and Social Security 2004- date
Have served on numerous parliamentary and government committees, and represented the Island internationally.
Are you a member of any organisation which guides or influences your political views or polices?
I am an Independent, and do not belong to a formal political organisation.
I also hold office in or belong to the following bodies, but without permitting undue influence on other public duties:
Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Isle of Man Pharmacy Contractors Association
IOM Branch of United Nations Association
Royal British Legion (Lonan and Laxey Branch)
Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust
Laxey Fair Committee
Maughold Social Club
What are your main national issues?
Ensure a strong diversified economy based on financial and specialist services, manufacturing and tourism to maintain full employment and fund public services.
Control of Government costs and delivery of services within budget. Structural re-organisation of Government Departments
and steps to improve efficiency, value for money and better service
Resist threats from events outside our control - political or fiscal interfernce by UK, EU,OECD and others
Climate Change, and the Environment - develop alternative energy sources, observe CO2 emission targets, home energy saving and re-cycling initiatives
Sustainable Development - Economic and Fiscal strategies which manage the growth of the economy without large numbers of new residents
Restore confidence in Government and the political system
Full democracy in Tynwald - the public to directly elect ALL 32 Tynwald members including Legislative Council, as I have previously attempted with reforming legislation
Face up to demographic change - the retired population will increase from 16,000 to 21,000 by 2020. Plan NOW for Pensions reform, sustainable health services, funding long term nursing care for the elderly etc
Strengthen the Agricultural Industry
What are your main local issues?
Safeguarding the parishes of Maughold and Lonan, and Village of Laxey from loss of identity by attempts at local government control from Onchan, Douglas or Ramsey
Develop further Ramsey Cottage Hospital, including 24 hour minor injuries unit
Affordable housing locally in accordance with the Laxey and Lonan Area Plan, resisting pressure for new building development in the countryside
Traffic masnagement and condition of roads.
Follow through maintenance and upgrading of public housing
at Ballacannell, Corony, Glen Mooar, Glen Road, Minorca, Gretch Noa
Support community policing stategies to tackle petty crime, vandalism, and late-night disturbance
What do you believe you would bring to government as an MHK?
